Physics - master

The Master of Science in Physics is a disciplinary master's degree. The program provides the opportunity for taking specialization courses from a relatively large range and offered by several departments, followed by a master's thesis on a chosen topic (60 ECTS). A common course on sustainable innovation will give the students tools for creativity, innovation, project and teamwork. The program will provide students with a solid background and good knowledge of methods for conducting scientific work.

A Master´s degree in Physics will give you the following;

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Has a deep understanding of a range of techniques and methods used in advanced physics.
• Can apply advanced mathematical and statistical methods for analysis of physical problems, and on new areas of research.
• Has knowledge about scientific methods and how to conduct scientific research, with in-depth knowledge of how research is performed in state-of-the-art physics.
• Has advanced knowledge in one or more of the following fields: fusion physics, climate physics, space physics, earth observation, renewable energy and machine learning.

Skills

The candidate:

• Can evaluate and analyse large amounts of scientific data in a critical manner
• Can model advanced physical processes and use suitable programming tools and software for solving physical problems numerically
• Can work independently with problem solving following the scientific method.
• Can evaluate and analyse published theories, methods and experiments in the physics literature.
• Can carry out an independent, limited project under supervision in physics or related fields.

Competences

The candidate:

• Can communicate an independent work with scientific terminology, written and orally
• Can analyse academic, professional and ethical problems in the field of physics.
• Can work in multi-disciplinary groups with complex problems regarding sustainable innovation
• Can produce a well-structured presentation of an extensive scientific work.

The study program includes a variety of teaching methods. Courses offered in the program have lectures, where theory and academic themes are discussed, in combination with exercises. Courses can also include laboratory work, pc-lab, work in the field or a combination of these.

Mandatory coursework can be included in a course. Approved assignments give access to the exam. The examination structure differs between the courses, including written examination, reports, presentations and oral examination, and combinations of these methods.

The master’s thesis is an individual research project performed under supervision. If the thesis involves work in a laboratory, in the field or on a research cruise, it is mandatory to conduct necessary safety courses prior to commencing this work.

Exchange studies abroad or at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) can be recognized in the master’s degree if recommended by your supervisor, and only if the external courses are validated prior to departure.

For an overview of relevant courses at UNIS, please contact the administration at The Department of Physics and Technology.

For studies abroad, there are several exchange agreements to a broad range of universities. For more information, see the exchange agreements.

The program leads to a wide variety of career options both domestic and abroad within research, industry and administration.

You will have the opportunity to work with:
- Earth observation
- Application and system development
- Climate and energy management
- Consulting
- Environmental monitoring
- Climate modelling
- Sensor technology
- Rocket and space research
- Statistic analysis